How to replace rear wheel bearings on 2000 Ford Explorer?
Do you have to remove shaft locks inside differential to pull axle?
Is special tool required to remove wheel bearing from axle housing?

drbrow, April 2006

You can't get the c clips out without first removing the pinion carrier bolt

davemig, October 2006

You need to get both wheels of the ground (of course), remove the differential cover and drain the oil from the differential.
Both axles are held in place, in the differential houseing, with a "C" clip that needs to be removed before you can start pulling the axles. You have to push the axle shafts a little bit inwards in order to remove the "C" clips.
Wheel bearings and seals can be pulled out with a puller and a slide hammer.
Make sure you change the oil seals as well as the old ones can not be re-used. Make sure to thoroughly clean the bearing and oil seal seat.
You should be able to hammer in place the wheel bearings and the oil seal with a large socket or a piece of pipe (thich walled) of the correct diameter, if you do not have a bearing/seal driver tool (which you should be able to buy at auto parts stores). Make sure the bearing and seal are correctly seated before you start hammering them in place.
ALSO MAKE SURE NOT TO HAMMER ON THE INNER BEARING RACE WHILE INSTALLING THE BEARING AS IT WILL DAMAGE THE THE BEARING.

Snorri, April 2006